Sheet feeding apparatus



Nov. 20, 1934. URR|E srms'r FEEDING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 15, 1932 5 Sheets-Sheet l Nov. 20, 1934. R. CURRIE 1,980,983

SHEET FEEDING APPARATUS INVENTOR BY I NOV. 20, 1934. cu 1,980,983

SHEET FEEDING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 15, 1932 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR I BY JZM &

ATTORNE Nov. 20, 1934. R CURRlE 1,980,983

SHEET FEEDING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 15. 1932 s sheets-sheet 4 zzz J zzz zz Y 12/ 23,4 ATTORNEY Nov. 20, 1934.

R. CURRIE SHEET FEEDING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 15, 1932 5 sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR BY %TT0RNEY Patented Nov. 20, 1934 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Robert Currie, Eastport, Maine, assignor to American Can Company, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New Jersey Application February 15, 1932, Serial No. 592,941

14 Claims.

The present invention relates to a sheet feeding apparatus and has particular reference to the automatic removal of single sheets from a stack of sheets, the removal of each sheet being in timed sequence with the disposal of a previously separated sheet.

The principal object of the present invention is the provision of an apparatus for successively separating single sheets from a. stack of sheets within a magazine and feeding each sheet in a step by step movement for a series of operations, the feeding of each successive sheet being automatically determined by the completion of operations upon a preceding sheet.

An important object of the invention is the provision of an automatic control for a sheet feeding apparatus which actuates separating devices to remove a sheet from a stack of sheets within a magazine only after a previously separated sheet has passed beyond a predetermined position.

An important object of the invention is the provision of a sheet feeding apparatus of the character described which embodies sheet separator and sheet feeding devices by means of which a separated sheet is fed downwardly through a series of predetermined distances and through controlling elements which insure further sheet separation so that one sheet will follow another in processional order without interruption of the operations of the apparatus.

A further important object of the invention is the provision of cutting or shearing mechanism for successive operation upon a sheet after it has been automatically removed from a magazine and while it is being fed in a step by step movement, the trim remaining after the last out on the sheet being automatically discharged from the appara tus.

Numerous other objects of the invention will be apparent as it is better understood from the following description, which, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment thereof.

Referring to the drawings: 7

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a sheet feeding apparatus embodying the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a plan sectional view taken substantially along the line 2-2 in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional- Fig. 5 is a sectional detail taken substantially along the line 55 in Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 5 illustrating a different position of the parts;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged detail of a part of the sheet separating device;

Fig. 8 is a front elevation, partly in section, of the parts illustrated in Fig. 7, as viewed along the broken line 88 in that figure;

Fig. 9 is a sectional detail taken substantially along the line 9-9 in Fig. 7;

Fig. 10 is a view similar to Fig. 4, showing some of the parts in different positions; and

Fig 11 is an enlarged elevation, partially in section, of a portion of the sheet separating device.

The apparatus disclosed in the drawings for the purpose of exemplifying the present invention, comprises a magazine in which a plurality of sheetsare placed in stacked position, preferablystanding on edge. The front part of the magazine is open and sheets may be placed within to restore the supply of stacked sheets while the feeding apparatus is in operation. The sheets are separated or removed singly from the rear of the magazine, by reciprocating suction cups.

The suction cups make one forward and one backward movement and then remain stationary until aftera full cycle of operations has been completed. At the end of the forward stroke the suction cups engage the rearmost sheet and as they move back, the engaged sheet is pulled away from its stacked position and brought into a vertical position.

This separated sheet is then released by the suction cups and falls into the first of its feeding positions. While still maintained in vertical position the sheet is lowered and advanced a predetermined distance in a step by step movement.

- During such step movement, it is successively subjected to operating devices of suitable character and an operation takes place upon the sheet at each of its rest periods.

Cutting instrumentalities are herein selected for purposes of illustrating such devices and these operate, upon each stroke of a reciprocating slide, to cut a given width of strip from the sheet. After all of the sheet has been cut into strips there remains a trim severed from the upper edge of the sheet and this trim is thereupon automatically ejected from the cutting members.

Controlling devices are provided which intermittently move against the sheet in time with the slide movement and as long as a sufficient amount of the sheet extends in their path of trave1. When the upper edge of the sheet has passed below the controlling devices, they actuate a latch or locking element connected with a clutch associated with the suction cups. It is only when the parts are brought into clutched position that the suction cups again move forward and back and a succeeding sheet is then extracted from the magazine and caused to pass through the cycle of movements just described, without interruption of the operations of the apparatus.

The magazine frame for the stack of sheets comprises a pair of spaced vertically disposed rails 26 (Figs. 1, 2, 4 and 10) secured together at their upper ends by a. tie rod 27 and fastened at their lower ends to forwardly extending angle irons 28. There is an angle iron for each rail, the inner ends of each angle iron at its junction with the rail being connected to a bracket 29 by a bolt 31 which extends through the walls of both angle iron and rail.

Each bracket 29 is secured by a bolt 32 to a horizontal plate 33, the two plates supporting the frame of the magazine. Each plate 33 is also secured by the bolt 32 to a post 34 which rests upon and is supported by a block 35 mounted upon a main casing 36. The two blocks 35 extend beyond the bottom of the magazine frame and support posts 37 which provide spacers for the forward ends of the two plates 33, bolts 38 being used to secure the parts 33, 37 and 35 together. The forward end of each angle iron 28 is secured to and supported by an extension 41 projecting upwardly from the plate 33.

Side walls 45 are provided for the lower part of the magazine, there being a wall located inside of each of the rails 26. These walls are mounted upon the horizontal legs of the angle irons 28 and are spaced from their vertical legs by spacing blocks 46. A strap 47 is mounted upon the horizontal leg of each angle iron 28 and the two straps together provide a fioor for the lower edges of sheets 51 placed in stacked position within the magazine. The sheets are stacked slightly inclined from the vertical and the upper part of the stack rests against and is supported by the tie rod 27. The bottom part of the stack is held within the magazine by side plates 52 which are secured to the rear edges of the bars 26 by bolts 53. Each plate 52 extends inwardly beyond the edge of its bar 26 and the rearmost sheet within the stack rests against the extending parts.

Projections 55, 56 preferably extend toward the front and rear of each bar 26 adjacent its upper end and these provide side guides for retaining the stack of sheets in position within the magazine. The construction of the magazine as just described leaves the forward part open for the insertion of sheets and this may be done at any time irrespective of the removal of the sheets from the rear of the magazine. In this way a supply of sheets may be maintained in the stack without interrupting the operation of feeding. The sheet separating or suction devices comprise a pair of suction cups 61 (Figs. 2, 3, 4, and 10), each cup being formed with a cylindrical head 62 on which is secured a suction rubber 63, screws 64 being used for this purpose. Each suction cup is extended rearwardly in a tubular stem section 65 which is threadedly connected at 66 with a crossbar 67. This bar is loosely mounted at its ends in arms 68 secured to a rockshaft 69 joumaled in bearings 75 formed in the upper ends of vertical brackets 76 secured by bolts 77 'to a cross frame 78 mounted upon and secured to the casing 36.

The arms 68 thus support the bar 67 and further means are provided for maintaining the suc- '67 is formed with an upwardly extending arm which carries a pin 86 on which a cam roller 87 is rotatably mounted. This roller is disposed within a cam groove 88 formed in a cam plate '89 bolted at 91 to a bar 92. The ends of the bar 92 are secured to the brackets 76, bolts 93 passing through spacer sleeves 94 being used for this purpose.

The shaft 69 oscillates to effect the forwardand back movement of the suction cups when separating and removing a sheet 51 from the magazine and the cam groove 88 of the cam 89working against the roller 87 rocks the bar 67 in its arm support sufficiently to bring .the suction cups squarely into sheet engaging position. The rubbers .63 of the suction cups are thus brought against the rear face of the rear sheet in the stack, the cups being under suction at such time. As the rubbers are withdrawn on the back stroke of the cups, the lower end of the sheet is pulled away from the stack, its center part bending sufficiently to snap its side edges past the retaining plates 52.

To eilectv the necessary suction in the cups for this temporary holding of the sheet as it is pulled away from the stack, air is removed from interior of the cups. Each suction cup head 62 is hollow and encloses a chamber 101 (Fig. 3) which communicates with a passageway 102 formed in the stem 65 each passageway being in constant communication with a transverse passageway 103 formed longitudinally of the bar 67. The passageway 103 does not extend throughout all of the length of the bar, and one end is stopped off by a plug 104 threadedly secured in the end of the bar.

An air valve is provided for closing and opening communication with the passageway 103.

This valve comprises a movable valve member 105 (see also Figs. 5 and 6) which is located within an opening 106 transversely cut through the bar 67 substantially at its center. This opening 106 crosses the passageway 103 at substantially right angles and the valve 105 is cut circumferentially in a groove 107 which normally registers with the passageway 103, as shown in Figs. 3 and 5.

The valve is spring held in this position, the valve member 105 extending rearwardly of the bar 6'7 in an enlarged head 108. A compression spring 109 is confined between the head and the rear end of the bar, the spring encircling the body of the valve. A cotter pin 111 is inserted in the forward end of the valve member and provides a stopfor holding the groove 107 in proper register with the passageway 103 when threadedly secured in the bar .uum but they are open to atmosphere.

When the cup rubbers 63 engage the sheet to be separated the open or front end of each chamber 101 is closed and the air is immediately removed causing a partial vacuum and the sheet then adheres to the cup faces and is withdrawn from the stack with the backward movement of the suction cups.

As the bar 67 reaches the end of its backward stroke, the suction effect in the cups 61 is broken and the separated sheet is released from engagement with the suction rubbers 63. This will now be explained. A stop screw 121 (Figs. 2, 4 and 10) threadedly secured to the bar 92 is held in an adjusted position by a locknut 122 the inner end of the screw being in the path of travel of the valve member 105 as it is carried back with the bar 67. The last end of movement on the backward stroke of the bar brings the head 108 of the valve member into engagement with the stationary screw and the valve member 105 is shifted relative to its opening 106. This is against the action of the spring 109 which is compressed. as the bar 67 reaches the end of its travel.

This backward position is determined by the bar 67 striking against stop screws 123 threadedly engaged in the bar 92. Each screw 123 is held in adjusted position by a locknut 124. The suction valve is now in the position illustrated in Figs. 6 and 10, the groove 107 of the valve member being out of alignment with the nipple 115, and the body of the valve member cutting off communication with the vacuum pipe 116.

Not only are the suction cups cut off from vac- A transverse bore 125 extends through the valve member 105 and in the last described position of the valve this bore is in communication with the passageway 103. The bore 125 connects with a longitudinal bore 126 which is further extended laterally in a short bore 127 open to atmosphere, all of these openings being formed in the valve member. Air entering the ports 127, 126, 125 and the passageways 103 and 102 fills the cup chambers 101, thus breaking the vacuum within the suction cup heads 62.

The suction cup rubbers no longer hold the sheet which is in a vertical position (as illustrated in Fig. 10) with its lower outer face against the vertical wall of the cross frame 78. Bars 131 (Figs. 4 and 10) secured by bolts 132 to the bottom side of the magazine extend rearwardly in curved projections 133 which are directly below the lower edge of the sheet 51 during its movement from the magazine and constitute safety guides for the sheet directing the sheet into feeding position.

The upper part of the separated sheet 51 is lightly held against the stack of sheets in the magazine by a pair of spring fingers 134 (see also Fig. 7) secured by screws 135 to the upper ends of the brackets 76. The sheet in its vertical position is now ready for step feeding into any desired operating devices which act successively the cross frame and it is alongside of this wall that the separated sheet 51 moves downwardly during its step by step advance through the cutting mechanism. A second, cooperating blade 145 is secured by bolts 146 to the front end of a slide 147 (see also Fig. 2) which moves back and forth in side grooves 148 formed in the blocks 35. The blade 145, as it is carried inwardly by the slide 147, passes under the cutting blade 142, the inner edges of the two blades overlapping (Fig. 10). The parts are in this position when the sheet is released from the suction cups.

The slide 147 is formed with laterally extending arms 151 (Figs. 1 and 2) which carry pivot pins 152 to which connecting rods 153 are pivotally secured. Each rod 153 is connected at 154 to the upper end of a lever 155 pivoted at'156 to one side of the casing 36. The lever '155 carries at its lower end a pivot pin 157 on which is rotatably mounted a cam roller 158 operating within a cam groove 159 of a face cam 161 secured to a drive shaft 162. The shaft 162 is journaled in bearings 163 formed in the casing 36 and is rotated in any suitable manner as by connection with a drive pulley 164 fixed on one end of the shaft. 7

The slide 147 carries a pair of spaced, horizontally disposed rods 171 (Figs. 4 and 10) which are beneath the bottom edge of the separated sheet 51 when it drops from the cups 61. It comes to rest on these pins, this initial feeding position being shown in Fig. 10.

Each rod 171 is carried in a tubular housing 172. formed with spaced legs 173 bolted at 174 to the supper surface of the slide 147. Each rod extends longitudinally through its housing and carries a collar 175 adjacent'its inner end. The outer end of each rod is threaded for the reception of nuts 176 located exterior of the housing. A spring 177 surrounds each rod 171 and is confined between the collar 175 and the end wall of the housing. This spring allows for shifting of the rod in its housing and normally holds it in inner extended position with the locknuts 176 116 resting against the outer end walls of the housing, as illustrated in Figs. 2 and 4.

When the slide 147 moves out or away from the frame 78 it carries the housings 172 and the enclosed pins 171 back into the position illustrated in Fig. 4, the inner ends of the pins moving out from under the sheet 51 which thereupon again drops down. The sheet this time is assisted in its movement by a feeding device embodying feed rollers 181 (see also Fig. 2) mounted on a horizontal shaft 182.

The shaft 182 is journaled in bearings formed in brackets 183 bolted to the face of the cross frame 78 on opposite sides of the machine. Shaft 182 carries at one end a sprocket 180 and a chain 184 operating over this sprocket also passes over tion to the rollers 181 which rub against the sheet and draw it downwardly.

The bottom edge of the sheet is brought into engagement with stop plates 191 secured to the casing 36 on opposite sides of the machine. Each plate 191 is provided with a projection 192 which forms a backing wall for apocket and holds the sheet in its vertical position for its first cutting operation which immediately follows.

As the slide 147 moves inwardly, its cutting blade is brought against the sheet adjacent 145 its bottom edge and the first strip 141 is sheared from the sheet. The remainder of the sheet now rests upon the'cutting member 145. The severed strip 141 is pushed forward by'the forward inner edge of the cutting blade 145 and pivoting on its supported lower edge, as illustrated in Fig. 10, falls through an opening 193 in the upper wall of the casing 36. The slide 147 is withdrawn and the blade 145 moves out from under the remaining part of the sheet. The feeding rollers 181 which have been idly turning against the surface of the sheet during the cutting action now assist in forcing it downwardly until itsbottom edge again comes into place upon the stop plates 191. This operation is repeated until the sheet is advanced through a sufficient number of successive cuttings to convert it into its series of strips 141.

Prior to the two final cuts, the suction cups are again actuated to feed another sheet into cutting position so that there will not be any idle cutting stroke, the succeeding sheet following immediately after the sheet before. The timing of the separation of sheets from the magazine takes place automatically and is dependent upon the progress of the preceding sheet through its cutting cycle. In this way sheets of any width (or more correctly height as they rest in the magazine) may befed through the machine and cut.

into strips. This automatic actuation will be fully described but attention is first directed to the final cutting operation on each sheet.

To insure uniformity of widths of strips each sheet is a little wider than the aggregate strip widths and a small remainder or trim 201 (Fig. 10) must be removed from the upper edge of the last strip during the final cutting stroke of the slide 147. When this shearing -or trim cut is completed and while the cutting members are overlapped the trim 201 is upon the upper surface of the cutting blade 145. "From this position. it is immediately discharged from the apparatus by a. blast of air in the following manner.

As the slide 147 advances for the trim cut, a rod 203 (Figs. 4 and 10) carried thereby trips an air valve located in a compressed air line. This rod is slideably held in horizontal openings formed in the legs 173 of one of the housings 172; A collar 204 is pinned to-the rod intermediate the posts 173 anda spring 205 is disposed on the rod and is confined between the collar and one of the posts. .This spring normally holds the rod in an extended position (Fig. 4).

During all of the cutting strokes of the slide 147 excepting the final trim cut now being considered there is enough left of the sheetto extend above the plane of movement of the rod and accordingly on each forwarder inward stroke of the slide the innerend of the rod strikes against the'sheet and is held from further movement. It, therefore, slides within its bearings as the slide 147 and its housing 142 moves inwardly its full stroke. This is'done against the action of the spring 205 which comes under greater compression.

At the final trim cut theupper edge of the remaining part of the sheet is below the rod 203 and the inner end of the rod passes into a horizontal opening 206 formed in the cross frame '78. The rod engages one end of a sliding pin 207 disposed in the opening and pushes it longitudinally its inner end communicates with an inclined pas-' sage 215. The end of the passage 215 is at a point directly above the trim 201 as it rests (Fig. 10) upon the cuttingblade 145 following-the final severing operations upon, the sheet. The sliding of the pin 207 by the rod 203 andthe resulting opening of the valve 211 permits a blast of air to escape from the opening 215 and it impinges against and under the relatively light trim 201. This bodily lifts the trim piece from its position and blows it through a channel 216 formed in the slide 147, where it falls out of the machine. As soon as the slide 147 moves back a spring confined within the valve 211 restores the lever 209 and rod 207 to normal position (Fig. 4).

The actuation of the suction cups for the feeding of the next sheet depends primarily upon a device actuated by the rods 171 (Figs. 4 and 10) During all of the cutting strokes of the slide 147 excepting the last two cuts. there is enough left of the sheet to extend above the plane of'movement of the rods 171. Accordingly, on each active stroke of the-slide the inner ends. of the rods strike against the sheet and come to rest ,while the slide and housing 172 complete their inward travel. The springs 177 yield to permit this action. At the next to the last and at the final trim cut, the rods, being unobstructed, move into openings 218 out through the cross frame'78.

One of the rods strikes against a block 219 located in one of the openings and pushes it outwardly a short distance. The block 219 is in engagement with a finger 221 which is shifted at such time. This finger is secured to a rockshaft 222 journaled in a bearing 223 which is clamped against the cross frame 78 and in a bearing 224 formed in one of the brackets 76. The shaft 222 is thus oscillated and moves an arm 226 (see also Figs. 7 and 8) which is pinned on the shaft and.

whichis pivoted at 227 to a bar 228 connecting its opposite end to'a pivot 229 carried in a block 231. ing outwardly from one side of the bracket 76.

The-pin 229 provides a pivotal mounting for a pawl 233 which engages one of eight teeth of a ratchet wheel 234 mounted on the stud and moves it through an arc of approximately 45. This is effected by the movement, just described; of the block 219 under the actionof the rod 171. It will be observed that the relatively slight movement of the finger 221 is compounded by long lever 226 which insures ample movement for the ratchet wheel 234. A stop bolt 241 adjustably carried in a bracket 242 limits the amount of upward movement of the lever 226, a locknut 243 threaded on Bracket 242 is bolted to' the bracket. 76.

Since there will be two movements of the slide 147 (the next to the last and the final trim'cutting strokes) when the pins 171 pass unobstructed into the openings 218 the block 219 is moved twice for each sheet cycle. The-ratchet wheel 234 is accordingly turned two times both in the same direction, that is, clockwise as viewed in' Fig. 7. The first movement closes a clutch device which constantly swinging part and the second movement of the ratchet wheel opens ,the'clutch and brings the suction cups to. rest. This will be better understood by reference to Figs. 7 and 8.

The shaft 69 at one .end carries an arm 245 (see also Figs. 1, 2 and 7), which is free to oscillate upon the shaft and which is also pivotally engaged at 246 with a link 247 which connects at This block oscillates on a stud 232 projectthe boltholding the latter in adjusted position.

connects the suction cups organization with a" its opposite end to a pivot 248 carried on the upper end of an arm 249 secured by bolts 251 to the lever 155. This arm 245 constitutes the constantly part of the clutch device and the arm rocks back and forth upon the shaft 69 simultaneously with each forward and back stroke of the slide 147 with two exceptions. One backward and one forward movement is made by the arm when it does not rock on the shaft. The first is a backward movement accompanied by the return of the slide after the next to the last cutting stroke and the second immediately follows accompanying the forward movement of the slide for its final trim stroke. For those two movements the arm is locked to and moves the shaft together with the suction cups, the clutch device referred to providing the desired connection.

An arm 261 (Figs. 2, 7, 8, 9 and 11) is secured to the shaft 69 adjacent the arm 245 and a collar 262 is also pinned to the shaft on the opposite side of the arm. The arm 261 is slotted longitudinally at 263 for the reception of a sliding block 264. This block is inserted into the end of the arm and its outer end is formed as a latching tongue 265 which constitutes one element of the clutch device. Block 264 also carries a pin 266 on which is rotatably mounted a roller 267 which is used for controlling the position of the block relative to the arm 261. A spring 268 is located between the end wall of the groove 263 and the inner end of the block 264 and tends to hold the tongue in projecting or locking position.

The arm 245 is formed with a projection 271, which constitutes the other element of the-clutch device, this projection being slotted at 2'72 for the reception 'of the tongue 265. When the'parts are in clutched position, the spring 268 holds the clutch elements together, as shown in Fig. 11.

The position of the ratchet wheel 234 determines whether the spring 268 will hold the clutch elements locked together or whether the roller 267 will move the block 264 inwardly to establish an unclutched condition. A block 275 is used for this purpose and is mounted on the upper end of a rod 276 vertically disposed in a boss 277 projecting outwardly from the bracket 76 directly above the ratchet .wheel. The rod 276 carries a feather 278 which slides within a featherway formed within the boss and prevents turning of the rod but allows for vertical movement in its bearing. The lower end of the rod 276 carries a roller 279 which rides upon a starwheel 281 which may be integral with the ratchet wheel 234. Starwheel and ratchet are preferably united by a connecting sleeve 282 mounted on the stud 232. These parts on the stud 232 are held against uncontrolled movement by a spring 283 located on the outer end of the stud and pressing against the end of the sleeve. A nut 284 threadedly engaged on the outer end of the stud holds the spring under sufiicient compression.

The starwheel 281 is formed with four high sections 287 and a corresponding number of intermediate low sections 288. At the time the ratchet wheel 234 begins its first clockwise movement, as previously described, one of the high sections 287 is directly under the roller 279 and the rod 276 and block 275 are in raised position. At such time the arm 261 is in vertical position and the roller 267 on the block 264 is held in raised position. this roller resting upon the top .of the block 275. The spring 268 is under compression and the tongue 265 of the clutch device is held up in non-projecting position.

This is the normal unclutched position mainlations of the arm 245, the shaft 69 with its suction cups remaining in a stationary position.

During the first movement of the ratchet wheel and the starwheel 281 through the first of its 45 of travel, the supporting high section 287 moves beyond the roller 279 and allows it to drop into the adjacent low section 288 (Fig. 7). This movement lowers the rod 276 and the block 275 and the spring 268 thereupon causes the block 264 to follow downwardly, the roller 267 still resting upon the top of the block 275.

The latch or tongue 265'is thus projected outwardly and at the end of the forward stroke of the slide 147, the arm 245 comes into vertical position. Its projection 271 is thus brought directly beneath the end of the arm 261 and its slot 272 is in alignment with the tongue 265. The upper face of the projection on both sides of the slot may be curved as shown so as to slightly lift the tongue, if necessary, during the movement of the slot beneath the tongue. A clutch connection is thus established between the arms 245, 261 and they move forward together, the shaft 69 oscillating in its bearings and the suction cups moving into I: with the next sheet in the magazine. Separation of the sheet is effected as the suction cups move toward the left (Fig. 1), this being in synchronism with the forward movement of the slide 147 upon its final trimming stroke.

The ratchet wheel 234 and the starwheel 281 move again, this time on their respective'second. arcs of travel of forty-five degrees and the low part 288in the starwheel moves beyond the roller 2'79 as the next adjacent high section 287 moves into position on top. This lifts the rod 276 and the block 275 is again raised. At the same time the arm 261 is bringing the roller 267 against the block 275 and in its vertical position, the roller rests upon the upper surface of the raised block 275. The block 264 now being in raised position the clutch elements are disconnected.

To insure easy disengagement of the tongue 265 from its slot 272 a spring device is used. This device yieldingly opposes the lateral frictional thrust of the tongue against one of the walls of the slot of the clutch which is brought about by the engagement of the roller 267 against the block 275 as the suction cups come back into normal position.

The spring device used for this pin-pose is mounted upon a strap 291 (Figs. 7,. 8 and 9) fastened by screws 292 to the side of the arm 245. This strap is b nt inwardly at one end where it is formed with a sleeve section 292 which carries a pin 293. The inner end of the pin is in alignment with the arm 261 and as the arm 245 swings back into alignment with the arm 261, the pin engages the edge of the latter. A spring294 is mounted upon the pin 293 and is confined between the end of the sleeve 292 and a collar 295 secured to the pin.

Locknuts 296' threadedly secured to the outer end of the pin 293 provide a stop for the pin when it is moved inwardly by the spring 294, this being when the arm 245, imclutched, swings away from the arm 261. The engagement between the end of the pin 293 and the arm 261 takes place at one end of the oscillation of the arm 245 when the arm 261 and the suction cups remain stationary, such momentary engagement combination, a magazine for holding a plurality of sheets on edge in stack formation, separating devices for removing a single sheet from one side of said magazine, means for releasing the sheet to drop by, gravity, and means for feeding said separated sheet downwardly in a step bystep movement. v

2. A sheet feeding apparatus, comprising in combination, a magazine for holding a plurality. of sheets on edge in stack formation, separating devices for removing a single sheet from the rear I side of saidmagazine, means for releasing said sheet to drop edgewise by gravity, means for feed-- ing said separated sheet downwardly in a step by step movement, said feeding means being adapted to deliver the separated sheet to instrumentalities for operating upon said separated sheet at each rest period of said feeding means.

3. A sheet feeding apparatus, comprising in combination, a magazine for holding a plurality of sheets on edge in stack formation, separating devices for removing a single sheet from one side of said magazine, means for releasing said sheet to drop by gravity, means for feeding said separated sheet downwardly in a stepby step movement, said feeding means being adapted to deliver the separated sheet to cutting instrumentalities for severing a strip from said sheet at each rest period of said feeding means, and means for discharging the remainder of the sheet after the final strip is cut.

4. A sheet feedingapparatus, comprising in combination, a magazine for holding a plurality of sheets arranged on their edges in stack formation, separating devices embodying a suction cup for removing rearwardly a single sheet from said magazine, means for releasing said sheet to drop edgewise by gravity, means for feeding said separated sheet in a step by stepmovement, and actuating devices associated with said feeding means and operating when said sheet has passed through a given step in its movement for bringing said suction cup into position for' a subsequent sheet separation. V

5. A sheet feeding apparatus, comprising in combination, a magazine for holding a plurality of sheets in stack formation, separating devices embodying a suction cup for removing a single sheet from said magazine,- means for releasing said sheet to drop edgewise by'gravity, means for feeding said separated sheet in -a stepby step movement, actuating devices associated with .said feeding means and operating when'said sheet has passed through a given step in its movement for bringing said suction cup into position for a subsequent sheet separation, and means for releasing each separated sheet from said suction cup when it is in pomtio'n to begin its step by step movement.

- 6. A sheet feeding apparatus, comprising the I combination of a magazine for holdng a pluralty of sheets, an oscillating support mounted adjacent said magazine, suction cups carried by said support and adapted for engagement with a sheet 1,9so,oss

in said magazine for separating it from the other sheets, actuating devices comprising an oscillating arm operable adjacent said support, and clutch members for connecting said support with said oscillating arm to effect an oscillation of said support and its suction cups for the separation of a sheet from said magazine.

7. A sheet feeding apparatus, comprisingthe combination of a magazine for holding a plurality of sheets, an oscillating support mounted adjacent said magazine, suction cups carried by said support and adapted for engagement with a sheet in said magazine for separating it from the other sheets, actuating devices comprising an oscillating arm operable adjacent said support, clutch 'members for connecting said support with said a sheet from said magazine, and means for disconnecting said oscillating arm and support after said sheet has been separated.

8. A sheet feeding apparatus, comprising the combination of a magazine for holding a plurality of sheets, an oscillating support mounted adjacent said magazine, suction cups carried by said support and adapted for engagement with a sheet in said magazine for separating it from the other sheets, means for feeding said separated sheet in astep by step movement, actuating devices comprising an oscillating arm operable adjacent said support, and in synchronism with said feed.- ing means, clutch members for connecting said support with said oscillating arm, and controlling means operable at a predetermined step in said sheet feeding for bringing said clutch members into clutched relation for the separating and feeding of a subsequent sheet.

9. A sheet feeding apparatus, comprising a magazine for. holding a plurality of sheets arranged on edge in stack formation, suction cups for removing a single sheet from said magazine, cutting instrumentalities including a reciprocating-slide for severing a sheet into strips, means for releasing said sheet to drop by gravity, means for feeding said separated sheet in a step by step moving a single sheet from said magazine, means for feeding said removed sheet in a step by step movement in the direction of its gravity to operating instrumentalities including a reciprocating slide and actuating devices connected with said slide, means operating during one of the cutting strokes of saidslide for connecting said suction cups with said actuating devices to effect the removal of a subsequent sheet from said magazine, and means for discharging the strips as cut from said magazine.

11. A sheet feeding apparatus, comprising in combination, a magazine for holding aplurality of sheets on edge in stack formation, separating devices for removing a single sheet from one'side of said magazine, means for releasing said sheet to drop by gravity, and means for feeding said for operating upon said separated sheet at each rest period of said feeding means.

12. A sheet feeding apparatus, comprising in combinatioma magazine for holding a plurality of sheets on edge in stack formation, separating devices for removing a single sheet from one side of said magazine, means for releasing said sheet to drop by gravity, means for feeding said separated sheet downwardly in a step by step movement, said feeding means being adapted to deliver the separated sheet to cutting instrumentalities for severing a strip from said sheet at each rest period of said feeding means, and means for discharging the remainder of the sheet after the final strip is cut. Q

13. A sheet feeding apparatus, comprising a magazine forholding aplurality of sheets arranged on edge in stack formation, suction cups for removing a single sheet from said magazine, means for releasing said sheet to drop by gravity, means for feeding said removed sheet to cutting instrumentalities including a reciprocating slide for severing a sheet into strips, means for feeding said separated sheet in a step by step movement through said cutting instrumentalities, actuating devices connected with said slide, and means op erating during one of the cutting'strokes of said slide for connecting said suction cups with said actuating devices to effect the removal of a subsequent sheet from said magazine 14. A sheet feeding apparatus, comprising a magazine for holding a plurality of sheets arranged on edge in stack formation,- suction cups for removing a single sheet-from said magazine. means for releasing said sheet to drop by gravity, means .for feeding said removed sheet in a step by step movement to cutting instrumentalities including a reciprocating slide for severinga sheet into strips and including. actuating. devices con- -nected with said slide, means operating during one of the cutting strokes of said slide for connecting said suction cups with said actuating devices to effect the removal of a-subsequ'en't sheet from said magazine, and means; fordischarging the strips as cut from said magazine.

- ROBERT comma. 

